Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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