Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring run puts him in elite 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 was unable to produce a run this long - his top remains two individual 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?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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