Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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 impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

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

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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