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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks 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 last European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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