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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, 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 sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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