Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

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

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"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 timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out 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."