Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

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

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented 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 standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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