Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

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

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