Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest stands at 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 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 significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"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."