Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total 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 joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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