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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite 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 never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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