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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent 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.

Analysts highlight 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 some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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