Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."