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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

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 injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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