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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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