Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."