Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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