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

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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