Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive 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 hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic 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 ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"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 debate 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 two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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