Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

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

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.

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