Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total 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 Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast 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 decisive impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."