Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two separate 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 spree 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 previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.

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