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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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