Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent 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 made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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