Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."