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

Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Resurgence

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

Yet, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.

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

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

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

Experts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.

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