Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked 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 previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."