Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as just 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 longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.

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

"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."