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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate 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 run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind 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 smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"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, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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