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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years 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 difficult to stop in the past month? 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 just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal 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 challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage 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."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."