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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into 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 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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