Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading 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 stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."