Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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