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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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