Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he stands as the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.

His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Return to Form

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

But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England return.

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

Analysts think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

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

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."