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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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