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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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