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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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 setbacks in its latter stages.

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

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit 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."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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