Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

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

However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.

Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge 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 shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to 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 analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."