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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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