Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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 setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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