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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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