Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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