Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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