Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent 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 box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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