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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 final stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent 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 previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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