Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

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

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," 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, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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