Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

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

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."