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

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

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

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

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

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

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

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

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