Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent 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 penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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