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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."