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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees 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 top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally 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 previous European Championship.

Observers feel 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 while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."