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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."