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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."