Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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 fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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