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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense 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 major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle 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 in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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