Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

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

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."