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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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