Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical 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 backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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