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

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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