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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer 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 stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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