Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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