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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable 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 injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."