Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, 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 outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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