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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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