Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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