Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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