Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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