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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

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

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."