Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

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

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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