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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.

However, a only four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Stunning Revival

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

Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.

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

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

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

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

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

Fierce Rivalry

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge 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 natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

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