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

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

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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