Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

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

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe 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 long time," one commented. "If he continues 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 intense.

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

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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