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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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