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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer 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 spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping 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," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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