Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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 fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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