Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

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

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

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

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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