Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

World Cup Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

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