Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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