Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

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

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

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