Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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