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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind 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 remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"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."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."