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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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