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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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 setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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