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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

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.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as fit 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."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural 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 summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."