Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," 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, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

"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 may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."