Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual 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 Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape 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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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