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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has 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 decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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