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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul 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 Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

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

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 Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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