Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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 Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds 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 meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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