Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."