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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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