Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."