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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England recall.

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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