Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

But, 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 currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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