Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins showcased his impact during England's recent 3-0 victory against Finland in Helsinki, where he came on as a substitute for Harry Kane in the 60th minute. In just over 20 minutes of play, Watkins created two chances and provided an assist for Declan Rice, further demonstrating his effectiveness in terms of contribution as a substitute. His ability to influence the game was noticeable, especially following an hour where England had dominated possession.
Watkins’ international experience is noteworthy; 12 of his 17 senior caps have come as a substitute. In the five matches he has started, the Aston Villa striker has found the net twice. Despite this, he faces stiff competition for a starting role from captain Kane, who remains a cornerstone of the England setup. “That’s not my place to say,” Watkins stated when asked if he could contribute more to England's attack than Kane.
Watkins has shown a keen understanding of his role within the squad, particularly with playmakers like Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham. "When I look and I’ve got Phil at number 10 or Jude, I know that I just need to wait for an opportunity," he explained. His adaptability and patient approach to game situations underline his potential impact on the pitch.
The striker's England career had a landmark moment when he scored a brilliant winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final after replacing Kane. However, he remains an impact substitute instead of a starting player. Even in instances when Kane was unfit to start, England opted for alternative strategies rather than deploying Watkins from the get-go.
Watkins acknowledged the challenges posed by the false nine system, noting, “I think the best example of it is Liverpool and when Firmino played." He suggested that for such a system to be effective, players need time to develop their chemistry, something not readily available to international teams.
As Watkins nears his 29th birthday, he continues to lead Aston Villa’s resurgence and believes he is in the form of his life. “Each year that goes by, I feel like I am getting progressively better. Each year, I set a new goal and I seem to reach it,” he stated, hinting that the possibility of becoming an automatic starter for England may be within reach.
The Mirror reports on the ongoing dialogue surrounding Watkins as he seeks to solidify his place in the national squad amidst strong competition.