Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as in shape 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

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."