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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole 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 Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

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