Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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