Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only 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 longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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