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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer 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 period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just 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 this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith 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 competition.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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