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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

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

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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