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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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