Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.

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

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever 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 turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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