Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart 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 beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

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

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

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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