Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."