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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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 frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."