Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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 fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."