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

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top stands at two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic 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 test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

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

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

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," 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, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."

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

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