Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only 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 top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," 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

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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