Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit 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."

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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