Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on 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 absolutely has a chance."