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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest 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 free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

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

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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