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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "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 established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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 Competition

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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