Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

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

An Impressive 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 blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just 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 top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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