Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system 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 fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp 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 Competition

Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, 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 meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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