Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree 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 aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, 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 come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."