Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

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

His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent 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 exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, 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 depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."