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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."