Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him 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 spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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 Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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 depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."