Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

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

A Stunning Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

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

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.

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

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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