Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole 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 Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has 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 flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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