Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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 fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run 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 recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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