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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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