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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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