Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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