Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England return.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues 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 intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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