Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."