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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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