Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

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

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading 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, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe 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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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