Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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