Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses 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 decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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