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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed 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 the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect 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 box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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