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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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