Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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