Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only 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 lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

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

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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