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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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