Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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