Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

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

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