Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably 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 Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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