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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

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

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter 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 exquisite little touch 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 challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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