Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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