Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."