Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive 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.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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