Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

However, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer 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 spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-game scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

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

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

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

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