Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

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

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