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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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