Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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