Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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