Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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