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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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