Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only 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 top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

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

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

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

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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 behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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