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

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

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