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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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