Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

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

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

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

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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