Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided 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 classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds 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 big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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