Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

The England Conversation

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

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

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."