Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts feel 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 remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."