Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."