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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

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

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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