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

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

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

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

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