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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge 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 shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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