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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"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 nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."