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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

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

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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