Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

But, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

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

However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two individual five-match streaks.

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

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

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

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

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

Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.

World Cup Dilemma

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

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.

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

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

Stiff Competition

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

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"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 possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.

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