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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."