Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

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

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

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

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

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

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

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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