Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Pundits 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 considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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