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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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