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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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