Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

But, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading 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 get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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