Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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