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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers 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 considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, 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 seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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