Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

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

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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