Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

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

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

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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