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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."