Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

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

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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