Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only 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 Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal 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 box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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