Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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