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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning 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 hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

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

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