Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal 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 downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."