Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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