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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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