Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"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 discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

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

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