Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct 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.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"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."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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