Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "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 box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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