Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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 Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."