Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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