Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

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

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer 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 latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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