Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

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

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge 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 out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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