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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last 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 in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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