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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby 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 finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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