Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."