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

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning 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 hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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