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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

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

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

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

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."