Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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