Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"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 may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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