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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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