Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.

But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top stands at two separate 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

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

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

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.

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

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

World Cup Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.

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

Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues 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 behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

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

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

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