Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups 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 voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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 debate for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, 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 noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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