Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as in shape 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

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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