Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

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

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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