Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole 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?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."