Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

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

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

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

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 Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note 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," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "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 incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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