Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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