Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more 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 flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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