Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked talks of an England call-up.

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

Pundits feel 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 long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

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