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

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo 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 the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England call-up.

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

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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