Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses 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 might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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