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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to 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, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think 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 commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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