Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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