Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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