Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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