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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him 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 enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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

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