Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only 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 hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely 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 challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."