Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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