Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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