Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

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

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."