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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven 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 contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."