Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to 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 data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."