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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note 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 provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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