Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive 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 final stages.

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

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

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

And the only 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

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

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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