Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"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 nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into 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 occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as 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 test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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