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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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