Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

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

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

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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