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

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

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees 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 longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through 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 hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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