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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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