Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to 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 said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "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 incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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