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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change 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 created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."