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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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