Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting 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 keep up this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, 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 said.

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

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

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