Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just 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 lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead 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 get behind teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."