Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

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

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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