Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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