Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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