Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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