Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."