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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "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 penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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