Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention 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 maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently 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 pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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