Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense 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 regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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