Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"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 nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."