Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 lasting this many games - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever 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 penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created 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 textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. 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 voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist 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 absolutely has a chance."