Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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