Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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 Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"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 could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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