Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era 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 tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."