Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted 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-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

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

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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