Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge 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 rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks 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 consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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