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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top 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 injuries in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent 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 in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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