Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note 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, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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