Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented 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 ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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