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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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