Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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