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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as in shape 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."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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