Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted 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 downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as in shape 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."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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