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

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

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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