Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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