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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."