Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top 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, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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