Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to 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 he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."