Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"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 Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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