Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

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

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

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

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

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