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

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

His six-match scoring sequence sees 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole 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.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality 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, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

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

Fierce Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."