Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him 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 Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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