Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.

His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.

However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup 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 successive Premier League fixtures.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

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

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch 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 challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

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

Fierce Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.

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

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.

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