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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."