Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."