Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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