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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, 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 hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."