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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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