Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two distinct 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there 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 league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.

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