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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak sees 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his best 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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