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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"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 advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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