Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

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

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

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

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."