Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team 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 in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also possesses 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 might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."