Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked 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 latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."