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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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