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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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