Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses 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 specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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