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

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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