Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

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 streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, 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 depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."