Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined 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.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious 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 best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."