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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."