Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"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 box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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