Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.

But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard 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 more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

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

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions 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 most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to 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 definitely has a chance."