Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be 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 the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."