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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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