Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."