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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"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."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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