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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading 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 blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top 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.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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