Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

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

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced 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 this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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