Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

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

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

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, 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 hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."