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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

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

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 Competition

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

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."