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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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