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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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 setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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?

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 clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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