Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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