Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely 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 fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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