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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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