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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

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

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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