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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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