Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on 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 recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

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 hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."