Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

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

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."