Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed 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 memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."