Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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