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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

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

His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as only 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 surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts 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 created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."