Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"He looks as in shape 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace 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 makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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