Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

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

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling 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 neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," 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, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."