Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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