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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak 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 aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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