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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

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

An Impressive 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 blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to 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, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."