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

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

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

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

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Competition

However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

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