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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

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

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Pundits think 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 while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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