Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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