Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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