Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Return to Form

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.

Analysts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.

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

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe 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 considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

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

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.

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