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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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