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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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