Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus 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 touch 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Analysts believe 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 considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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