Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."