Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations 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 previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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