Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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