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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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 setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

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

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

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

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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