Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.

A Stunning Resurgence

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

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

His six-match scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Reason for the Scoring Form?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.

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

That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.

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

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

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

Intense Rivalry

However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."