Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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