Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions 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 most recent European Championship.

Pundits 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 said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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