Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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