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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

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

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has 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 meaningful impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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