Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. 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 voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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