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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as only 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 lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

"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 might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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