Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

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

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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