Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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