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

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 hard to stop in the past month? A latest 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 exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."