Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect 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 made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. 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 voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."