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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite 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, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test 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 makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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