Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby 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 flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

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

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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