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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.

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

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

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.

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

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

His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

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

"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 conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."