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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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