Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 textbook 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 shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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