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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"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 significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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