Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole 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.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

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

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."