Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

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

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