Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

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

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