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

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive 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 was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise 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 naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."