Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory 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 hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also possesses the edge 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 select.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."