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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."