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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

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

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

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

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

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