Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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