Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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