Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on 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 the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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