Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

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

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, 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 recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and timing inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Question

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.

"He looks as sharp 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."

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

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