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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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 fitness issues in its final stages.

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

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."