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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it 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 natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic 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 experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead 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 stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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