Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."