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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious 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 this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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."

Fierce Rivalry

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

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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