Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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