Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality 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 "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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