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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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