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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

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

Analysts think 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 while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."