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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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