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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two individual 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?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good 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 popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

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

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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