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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

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 take.

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