Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive 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 never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

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

Observers 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 while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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