Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard 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, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"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."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen 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 get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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