Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

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

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever 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 established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."