Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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