Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box 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, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."