Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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