Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent 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 made him a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double 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 possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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