Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

But, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Stunning Revival

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

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on 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 recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

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

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Stiff Competition

Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

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

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.

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