Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

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

His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as only 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 lasting this many games - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Stiff Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

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 analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."