Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run sees 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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