Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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