Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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