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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"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 possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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