Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

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

But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring run puts 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager 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."