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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

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

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

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

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable 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 timing inside the penalty area was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change 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 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 lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."