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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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