Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained 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 timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

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

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant 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 select.

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