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

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

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."