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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."