Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense 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, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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