Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

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