Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

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

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting 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 keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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