Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite 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 never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality 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 rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains 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, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

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

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