Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

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

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