Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.

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

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 only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

"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 may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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