Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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