Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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