Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to 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.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think 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 while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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