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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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