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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."