Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers 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 long time," one remarked. "If he continues 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 supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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