Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

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

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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