Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better 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 Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal 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 instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"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."

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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