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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just 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 separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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