Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy 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 exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

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

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