Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

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

Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy 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 lovely little touch 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 character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."