Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

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

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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