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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading 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 get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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