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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling 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," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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