Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive 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 fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best is two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent 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 beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."