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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area 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 enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge 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 major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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