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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at 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 big competition."

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

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