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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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