Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

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

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just 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 lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp 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."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."