Ollie Watkins Shines Bright for Aston Villa, Pushing for England World Cup Spot
England's wait for international action continues until summer, but Thomas Tuchel likely smiled after Ollie Watkins delivered a stellar performance. During a challenging period for the national team, marked by the absence of captain Harry Kane, Tuchel faced limited options for a substitute striker. In a crucial Europa League quarter-final first leg, Aston Villa triumphed over Bologna with a score of 3-1. Watkins scored two goals, adding to his recent form after being left out of the expanded England squad in March, where he had managed only one goal in nine Premier League matches. Tuchel acknowledged Watkins' potential, saying, "Watkins is not with us but this is more down to the fact that I know what he can bring to the group." Watkins responded to the disappointment emphatically, expressing his eagerness to contribute as the season progresses. "I'm raring to go," he said after the match, showcasing his hunger to impact upcoming games. Key moments from the match included: Ezri Konsa opening the scoring for Villa. Watkins capitalizing on a mistake from Bologna's Torbjorn Heggem for his first goal. Restoring the two-goal lead in stoppage time after Jonathan Rowe scored for Bologna. Watkins has now netted three goals in his last five matches, equaling his total from his previous 24 appearances in major European competitions. Pat Nevin, former Scotland winger, noted the timing of Watkins' resurgence as crucial for both club and country, with opportunities arising for the World Cup and potential Champions League football. Despite other forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke failing to make an impact in Kane's absence, Watkins' performance has rekindled hopes for a spot in the England squad as the World Cup approaches.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-09