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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive 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 hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places 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 this long - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."