Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive 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 top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass 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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. 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 voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."