Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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 setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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