Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two individual 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 Secret to the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."