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

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 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 consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable 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 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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