Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive 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 top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

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

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."