Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve 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 "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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