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

Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

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

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match runs.

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

What's Behind the Hot Streak?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.

International Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.

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

Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

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

Fierce Competition

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

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