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

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

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

His six-match scoring run places 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter 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 neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting 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 keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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