Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

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