Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

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

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as in shape 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, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind 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 is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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