Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only 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 Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, 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 holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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