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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained 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 just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage 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 specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."