Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major 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," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

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

International Dilemma

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

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

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

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

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

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

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 depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."