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

Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.

His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally 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 free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.

However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.

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

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two individual 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a classic 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 this is the result."

His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Rivalry

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

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

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive 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 national team coach decides to take.

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