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

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best is two individual 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 Secret to the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.

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

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed 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 challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

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

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the edge 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 out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."