Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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 matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."