Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as just 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 longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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