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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created 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 typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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