Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

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

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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