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

A solitary goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

"He looks as in shape 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."

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

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