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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive 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 never managed a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last 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 fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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