Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer 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, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."