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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."