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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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