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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds 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 decisive impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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