Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal 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 positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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