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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run places him in elite 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 was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"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 nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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