Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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