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

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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