Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."