Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

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

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