Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage 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 tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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