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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

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 blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch 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 is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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