Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass 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 Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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