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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

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

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

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

"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 possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."