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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence 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 this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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