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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy 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 exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention 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 continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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