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

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think 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 considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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