Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

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

His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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