Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for 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 remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently 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 pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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