Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

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

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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