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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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