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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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 frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe 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 while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."