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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only 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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."