Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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