Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

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

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.

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

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

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

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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