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

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.

However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

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

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.

Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus 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 finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited conversations of an England recall.

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

Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.

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

Intense Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.

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