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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.

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 outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

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

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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