Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run 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 explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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