Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "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 established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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