Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

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