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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good 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 beloved player at his previous club.

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

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

"I've endured 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 had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."