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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks 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 most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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