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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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