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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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