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

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good 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 fan favourite at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

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

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

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

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."