Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

But, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite 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 never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

In the end, 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 come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."