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

A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.

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 was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

The England Dilemma

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

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

Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Intense Rivalry

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

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

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

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

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