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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."