Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

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 believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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