Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive 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 final stages.

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

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite 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 this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal 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 timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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