Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

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

But, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England following netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

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

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