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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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