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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains 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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through 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 little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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