Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent 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 note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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