Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive 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 never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole 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.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit 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."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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