Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," 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, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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