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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal 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 key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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