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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top 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 period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."