Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."