Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.

However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

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

Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

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

That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.

Analysts feel 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 while," one said. "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 incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

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

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

"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."