Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

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

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

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

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."