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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

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

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through 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 here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive 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 take.

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