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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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