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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, 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 sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

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

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."