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

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

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.

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

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

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

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

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

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

"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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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