Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "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 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

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

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."