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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined 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.

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

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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