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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on 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 expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."