Watkins Maintains the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.

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

Observers feel 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 remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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