Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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