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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against 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 joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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