Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

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

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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 injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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 scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, 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 takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."