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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

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 blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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 stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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