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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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