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

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic 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 backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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