Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured 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 believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think 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 commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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