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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 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 contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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