Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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