Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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."

Intense Rivalry

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

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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