Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

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

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable 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 penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."