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

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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