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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better 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 Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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