Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."