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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as sharp 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

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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