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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

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 country since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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