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

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

However, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

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

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

Analysts believe 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 said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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