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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on 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 the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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