Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings 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 after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses 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 big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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