Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect 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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."