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

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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