Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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