Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning 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 blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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