Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game 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 never managed a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

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

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."