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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning 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 hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

In the end, 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 come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."