Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."